Report: Nationals in talks with Dozier

The Washington Nationals are reportedly in pursuit of a short-term option at second base and are talking with free agent Brian Dozier, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Earlier in the offseason, the Nationals missed out on Ian Kinsler, as he reportedly rejected their one-year, $5-million offer in favor of the two-year, $8-million contract he signed with the San Diego Padres.

Dozier, 31, was acquired by the Los Angeles Dodgers midway through the 2018 campaign from the Minnesota Twins, who drafted him in 2009. Over 151 games between the two clubs, he authored a .215/.305/.391 slash line with 21 home runs and 12 stolen bases.

The 2017 Gold Glove recipient is one year removed from a remarkable two-season stretch during which he posted an .871 OPS, earning down-ballot MVP votes in both the 2016 and 2017 campaigns.

The Milwaukee Brewers are also interested in Dozier, according to the report, though re-signing Mike Moustakas and shifting Travis Shaw to second remains an option, as well.

Rosenthal notes the Nationals would like a rental at the keystone to facilitate the eventual promotion of Carter Kieboom, the club's No. 2 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline.